"Although the movement has changed its name seven times and has had four leaders, it continues to treat Zarqawi as its founder, and to propagate most of his original beliefs and techniques of terror. The New York Times refers to it as “the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL.” Zarqawi also called it “Army of the Levant,” “Monotheism and Jihad,” “al-Qaeda in Iraq,” and “Mujihadeen Shura Council.” (A movement known for its marketing has rarely cared about consistent branding.) I will simplify the many changes of name and leadership by referring to it throughout as “ISIS,” although it has of course evolved during its fifteen years of existence.
The
problem, however, lies not in chronicling the successes of the
movement, but in explaining how something so improbable became possible.
The explanations so often given for its rise—the anger of Sunni
communities, the logistical support provided by other states and groups,
the movement’s social media campaigns, its leadership, its tactics, its
governance, its revenue streams, and its ability to attract tens of
thousands of foreign fighters—fall far short of a convincing theory of
the movement’s success."
For the full article see:
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2015/aug/13/mystery-isis/
